Language, Culture And Identity

The Ministry is working to grow and develop pride within the organisation to improve our role as custodians in promoting the profile of Pacific indigenous languages and cultures. The diversity Pacific people bring to New Zealand’s national and international identity advocates Language, Culture and Heritage as a priority for the Ministry.

With the rise of the Pacific population in New Zealand, data from the 2013 Census indicates a substantial decrease in our Pacific people’s ability to speak their language fluently.

These figures prompted the Ministry to build capacity on the successful and growing national Language Weeks programme. These weeks not only celebrate our languages they empower and encourage Pacific people to strongly hold on to their language as communities and as the knowledge holders and custodians of our Pacific customs.